Q: What is the PATH program?

A: PATH, the acronym for “Personal Actions To Health,” is a unique eight-week program designed to help persons age 55 and over develop a healthier lifestyle and retain functions necessary to maintain independence.

The program features:

• A nutrition education series designed to help participants learn how to modify and practice food habits to protect or improve health and quality of life.
• Exercise education describing the effects of exercise on chronic disease, including arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, cardiovascular health and lifestyle management.
• Low fat cooking — sampling a variety of new tastes in food using healthy cooking.
• Exercise — flexibility and strength-building exercises during a group workout will be offered during each session.

Q: Who sponsors the PATH program?

A: Developed in cooperation with the Kansas Health Foundation and K-State Research and Extension, PATH is sponsored by a local coalition whose purpose is to promote physical fitness and nutrition education activities among older adults in the county. The Douglas County PATH Planning Team includes the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority, Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, K-State Research and Extension Douglas County, Douglas County Senior Services, Lawrence Parks and Recreation, KU department of health, sport and exercise sciences, Lawrence Memorial Hospital and past participant volunteers. Other PATH partners are Checkers, Community Mercantile Education Foundation, Dillons, Clinton Parkway Assembly of God, First Baptist Church, First Christian Church, Lawrence Hy-Vee and Target.

Q: Is there a PATH class coming up soon?

A: Yes, an eight-week course is being offered from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday mornings Feb. 15 through April 14 (excluding March 22 and 24) at the Clinton Parkway Assembly of God, 3200 Clinton Parkway Court, in Lawrence.

In addition, a “Functional Fitness Assessment” that measures your current fitness level will be scheduled on Feb. 11 and April 18. Attendance at both testing days and all sessions is recommended.

Two PATH exercise groups have evolved as a result of participation in this course. They continue to exercise twice weekly. In addition to enjoying camaraderie, those participating continue to increase flexibility, strength, endurance, agility/balance and coordination.

Q: How do I enroll in the course?

A: Registration forms are available by calling 843-7058; Shirley Grubbs at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department at 843-0721; Jessie Kwatamdia at Douglas County Senior Services at 842-0543; or Jo Ellis at Lawrence Parks and Recreation, South Park at 832-7930.

Participants for the eight-week course must fill out a doctor’s consent form. Deadline to register is Jan. 26. Registration fee is $15 for the class or $20 for the class and a PATH T-shirt. A personal consent and a doctor’s consent form will be mailed to each participant following receipt of registration. Participants will be unable to join in class exercise without all required consent forms being completed. Enrollment is limited.